Head coach Tim Beckman and recruiting coordinator Alex Golesh worked their long-time ties in Ohio to secure quarterback Chayce Crouch.

From what I've heard, offensive coordinator Bill Cubit and Golesh worked out numerous quarterbacks from the 2014 class, in-state, in Ohio and even flying to Texas to see as many as possible. Crouch was the only one Cubit gave his highest level of recommendation to, though, and the Illini staff landed him.

This is what had to happen. After Beckman's first season, he needed to figure out a way to create some hope, to create some light at the end of the tunnel.

Strictly talking offense, Beckman has already recruited a couple of potential headliners at quarterback in Bailey and Wes Lunt. What's currently in the fold in this class is a good start to building some depth.

Again, I know there's not a flashy four or five star yet. But with the numbers in this class crunched due to so many underclassmen on the roster, Beckman had to address needs and had to maximize the talent. Considering what happened on the field last season, I'm sure recruiting hasn't been the easiest part of the job.

It's pretty clear how the staff is doing this. Evaluating as many kids as possible. Selling in-state kids on staying home. Dangling playing time and asking for kids to join in the fight as an underdog battling for recognition. And calling, writing, messaging and speaking as many times as possible.

Defensively, this class has some work to do. But with so many underclassmen in the two-deep, that side of the ball wasn't the priority.

At this moment, though, recruiting on the offensive side of the ball has some momentum.